Nutrition Practices Research Articles

Glycal Forte® (calcium-stabilized glycerol), a novel feed ingredient, promotes rumen function in dairy cows

Abstract Good nutritional practices are essential to support the high milk production of modern dairy cows. This requires an active rumen microbial biomass which supplies microbial protein and short-chain fatty acids to the cow. Glycal Forte® (GF) a calcium-stabilised glycerol product, increased microbial biomass in an in vitro gas production study, by some 37%. The efficacy of GF was substantiated in a trial with high-producing dairy cows fed a TMR with or without GF for 28 d. Cows fed GF showed behaviour differences. Chewing was reduced from 710 GF vs 769 for the control (CON) min/d; P=0.01 and they spent more time in an inactive state (429 GF vs 383 CON min/d; P=0.01). There was a statistically significant improvement in feed efficiency with GF (2.19 CON vs 2.34 GF kg ECM/kg dry matter intake (DMI); P=0.03). Feed efficiency has an important bearing on costs and profitability of a dairy operation. Cows fed GF yielded an improved profit of $1.45 per cow per day over 28 d with an ROI of 2.23. Extrapolated to a 100 dairy cow herd for 28 d gave an additional profit of $4,060. Milk yields continued to show benefits for 70 d in milk (DIM) after the GF treatment was stopped, showed a numerical increase in milk yield of 3.2 kg/d. The benefits in rumen function continues after the feeding of GF had ceased. In summary, this trial with high-producing dairy cows was consistent with the in vitro trial data and showed that GF can improve rumen function manifested as less time chewing, more inactive time and most importantly, improved feed efficiency. This has both economic and environmental advantages in that dairy cow productivity can be enhanced solely by nutritional means

Associated factors of dietary diversity among schoolchildren in Plateau Central region of Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study

ContextSchool-age is a dynamic period of growth and development, leading to good health and a productive adult life. Adequate dietary intake provides essential nutrients for growth, health and cognition. However, the practices of adequate nutrition is still not a matter of course for schoolchildren in many countries. The aim of this study was to identify associated factors of dietary diversity among students in public primary school in the Central Plateau Region.MethodMulti-stage sampling was used to select schoolchildren. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information’s of food consumption at home and at school using a 24-h dietary recall method. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with students' dietary diversity scores (DDS) with statistical significance at p < 0.05, after performing Chi-square test of independence to identify candidates variables at p < 0.25.ResultsThe study involved 560 pupils aged 6 to 14 older, including 52.9% girls and 47.9% boys. Dietary diversity was divided into three classes: low (DDS ≤ 4), medium (DDS = 5) and high (DDS ≥ 6). Thus, 13.4% of students have a low DDS and average in 48.9%, versus 37.7% high. Students in Ganzourgou were twice as likely to have a low DDS (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI:1.00–4.04) compared to those in Oubritenga. Household drinking water source, pupil status and father's occupation were significantly associated with pupils' dietary intake.ConclusionPrimary schoolchildren don’t have good dietary practices in the Plateau Central Region. Promoting dietary diversification in households and balanced meals in school canteens would be necessary to improve the DDS of schoolchildren.Trial registrationClinical Trial Number: 2022_33_/MS/MESRSI/CERS of 02/14/2022.

Penyuluhan Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan Lokal sebagai Penanggulangan Stunting di Kota Kediri

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that significantly affects children's growth and development. This community service activity aims to evaluate the impact of education on local Supplementary Feeding (PMT) in combating stunting in Kediri. The method used is education about local PMT as a measure to combat stunting. The study subjects consisted of members of Ibu Persatuan Istri Tentara (Persit) Yonif 521: Dadaha Yodha in Kediri. Data were collected through self-data questionnaires, pretests, and posttests. The results of this activity showed a significant relationship between income, health cadre status, prior knowledge about local PMT and stunting, and the level of knowledge of Ibu Persit members. Moreover, there was an increase in the Ibu Persit member’s knowledge about the role of local PMT in combating stunting and a statistically significant difference in their knowledge levels before and after the education. Education on local PMT has proven effective in enhancing Ibu Persit members' understanding of nutrition and proper dietary practices, contributing to the reduction of stunting prevalence. These findings suggest the need for the widespread implementation of local PMT education programs as a strategy to combat stunting in other areas facing similar problems.

Optimizing animal care through compound feed management in Saudi Arabia

Proper animal feeding practices play a fundamental role in enhancing livestock health and maximizing output. Given the governmental restrictions on green fodder cultivation in Saudi Arabia (SA) due to water conservation efforts, the use of compound feed could serve as a viable alternative for livestock farmers. This study aimed to investigate livestock farmers' farming objectives, their feeding management strategies, and the uptake of compound feed in the country. Data from 650 randomly selected livestock farmers were collected through an online survey with the assistance of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The findings showed that most farmers raised sheep and goats for trade purposes using specialized farms and desert grazing. Alfalfa hay was widely used as a fodder along with barley grain. While approximately 47% of the farmers did not utilize compound feed, 44% reported its usage. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that formal education, farming experience, and income level significantly influenced the adoption of compound feed among livestock farmers. These results underscore the critical role of education and financial resources in promoting the use of compound feed among livestock farmers in SA. It is recommended that government institutions should develop initiatives to educate farmers on proper animal nutrition practices and provide financial support to make compound feed more affordable for low-income farmers. The widespread use of compound feed has the potential to enhance livestock health and productivity, thereby positively contributing to the food security of SA.

Identification of knowledge, attitudes and practices in feeding children with cancer in two shelters in Bogotá

Introduction: In the population diagnosed with cancer, challenges arise for their adequate nutrition, especially during treatment and in the later stages. Thus, identifying the nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices of children and their parents during illness and treatment is very useful for proposing solutions to difficulties in feeding that may arise. Objective: Identify knowledge, attitudes and practices related to food by parents, caregivers and chil- dren with cancer in two foster homes located in Bogotá, Colombia. Methodology: For this, focus groups were carried out in which specialists, parents and children participated; in ad- dition, the questionnaire designed and validated by the Food and Nutrition Organization of the United Nations was adjusted and applied for the evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practices in nutrition, later the data were analyzed with a software (NVivo). Results: It was found that children and guardians recognize and practice good habits for nutritional status, although for a third of them it may be difficult to comply with some of them, either due to lack of knowledge, economic condition, myths or beliefs. Conclusion: Information, educa- tion and communication interventions are required along with strategies that allow healthy eating and overcoming challenges and symptoms during illness and treatment, especially in the outpatient stage or when being discharged and returning to their homes.

Prevalence and related assessment practices of adult hospital malnutrition in Africa: A scoping review

Background and aimsGlobally, hospital malnutrition prevalence is estimated at 20–50%, with little known about the situation in African hospitals. The aim of this scoping review was to appraise the current evidence base regarding the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition and related assessment practices in an African context. MethodsA comprehensive and exhaustive search strategy was undertaken to search seven electronic bibliographic databases (including Africa-specific databases) from inception until August 2022 for articles/resources reporting on the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition in an African setting. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles and data extraction was undertaken in duplicate. ResultsWe screened the titles and abstracts of 7537 records and included 28 studies. Most of the included studies were conducted in the East African region (n=12), with ten studies from South Africa. Most studies were single-centre studies (n=22; 79%), including 23 to 2126 participants across all studies. A variety of study populations were investigated with most described as medical and surgical populations (n=14; 50%). Malnutrition risk prevalence was reported to be between 23% and 74%, using a variety of nutritional screening tools (including MNA-SF/LF, NRS-2002, MUST, NRI, GNRI). Malnutrition prevalence was reported to be between 8% and 85%, using a variety of tools and parameters, including ASPEN and ESPEN guidelines, SGA, MNA-SF/LF, anthropometric and biochemical indices, with one study using the GLIM criteria to diagnose malnutrition. ConclusionsBoth malnutrition risk and malnutrition prevalence are alarmingly high in African adult hospitalised patients. The prevalence of malnutrition differs significantly among studies, owing in part to the variety of tools used and variability in cut-offs for measurements, underscoring the importance of adopting a standardised approach. Realities in the African context include limited nutritional screening and assessment, poor referral practices, and a unique disease burden. General awareness is needed, and routine nutritional screening practices with appropriate nutrition support action should be implemented as a matter of urgency in African hospitals.

Review of modern methods for optimizing apple mineral nutrition to increase yield and fruit preservation

Achieving sustainable fruit production and ensuring quality preservation are paramount in modern apple orchards. This review delves into contemporary methods designed to optimize mineral nutrition, aiming to bolster both yield and fruit preservation. Various strategies for enhancing apple orchard management are examined, with a focus on maximizing the efficacy of mineral fertilizers, maintaining balanced nutrition, and understanding the critical role of key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and boron. The review underscores the importance of comprehending plant nutrient requirements across different growth stages and phenological phases to attain sustainable, high-quality fruit production. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of continuous diagnostic assessments to tailor mineral nutrition practices to the specific needs of apple orchards, ensuring optimal performance and economic viability.

Access to nutrition advice and knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Ireland: A cross-sectional study.

Healthy nutritional status, appropriate gestational weight gain and a balanced diet are important predictors of perinatal health outcomes. However, gaps exist in the translation of nutrition recommendations into dietary practices of women before and during pregnancy. The present study explored the relationship between access to nutrition advice, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices among pregnant women. Pregnant women aged > 18 years in Ireland were eligible to complete a self-administered survey consisting of four subsections (demographics, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices) delivered online through Qualtrics. In this convenience sample (n = 334,median [interquartile range] gestation, 25.0 [16.0, 34.0] weeks), 85% had at least an honours bachelor degree and 88.9% planned their pregnancy. Two out of five women received nutrition advice during their pregnancy, mostly from a midwife. Based on the percentage of correct answers (of 15 questions), women with previous nutrition education (e.g., school home economics) had better median [interquartile range] nutrition knowledge than those with none (80.0% [66.7, 86.7%] vs. 73.3% [60.0, 80.0%], p < 0.001). Those who received nutrition advice during pregnancy did not score higher than those who did not (73.3% [66.7, 80.0%] vs. 73.3% [66.7, 80.0%], p = 0.6). Over three-quarters of participants considered nutritional supplement use to be very or extremely important. Although 73.6% and 92.4% took supplements prior to and during pregnancy, only 25.7% reported compliance with periconceptional folic acid supplementation guidelines. Half of respondents considered healthy eating during pregnancy as very or extremely important. Access to nutrition advice during pregnancy was inadequate with poor nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices observed. Accessible, evidence-based nutrition education for women prior to and during pregnancy is required.

The Relationship of Mother's Nutritional Knowledge and the Practice of Giving Complete ASI Food (MP-ASI) To Toddler Age 6-12 Months at Bpm Ernah South Cimahi Coffee Garden

Malnutrition in children can be caused by the mother's attitude or behavior in inappropriate feeding practices. This occurs because mothers' knowledge and skills regarding food, nutrition and practices in feeding children are still low. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge and the practice of giving MP-ASI to toddlers aged 6-12 months at BPM Ernah Kebon Kopi Cimahi. The type of research is descriptive analytic with a cross sectional approach, sampling using proportional sampling. The research sample was 69 mothers who had toddlers aged 6-12 months. Data on maternal nutritional knowledge and practice of providing MP-ASI were obtained by interview using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Analysis of the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable using Chi Square. The level of nutritional knowledge of respondents was high at 46 people (66.7%) and the practice of providing MP-ASI was carried out well by 41 people (59.4%). The research results showed that there was a relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge and the practice of providing MP-ASI (p&lt;0.05). It is hoped that PBM Ernah Kebon Kopi Cimahi will be more active in providing information through outreach and counseling to cadres and the community, especially mothers with toddlers, about improving nutrition and skills in the practice of providing MP-ASI.

Nutrition and the gut-brain axis in neonatal brain injury and development

Early nutritional exposures, including during embryogenesis and the immediate postnatal period, affect offspring outcomes in both the short- and long-term. Alterations of these modifiable exposures shape the developing gut microbiome, intestinal development, and even neurodevelopmental outcomes. A gut-brain axis exists, and it is intricately connected to early life feeding and nutritional exposures. Here, we seek to discuss the (1) origins of the gut-brain access and relationship with neurodevelopment, (2) components of human milk (HM) beyond nutrition and their role in the developing newborn, and (3) clinical application of nutritional practices, including fluid management and feeding on the development of the gut-brain axis, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. We conclude with a discussion on future directions and unanswered questions that are critical to provide further understanding and insight into how clinicians and healthcare providers can optimize early nutritional practices to ensure children not only survive, but thrive, free of neurodevelopmental impairment.

Enhancing Healthcare Professionals' Culinary Skills, Food Management, Counseling Confidence, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Through a Culinary Medicine Boot Camp: A Pilot Implementation Program (PIP).

Awareness of nutrition's role in chronic diseases is rising, demanding guidance on the diet-disease relationship. Nutritional practices become crucial for prevention, prompting healthcare professionals (HCP) to respond. The present study assessed a Culinary Medicine (CM) program's impact on HCP's Mediterranean diet adherence, food and diet therapy knowledge, food management skills, culinary proficiency, and counseling confidence. A mixed-methods pilot implementation program (PIP) engaged 20 HCP from Hospital Clinic Barcelona at the Alícia Foundation kitchen-lab. Four 8-hour CM sessions, held weekly, covered culinary knowledge emphasizing disease prevention and care. All twenty participants; 86% women, 14% men, 86% aged above 40, 14% between 31 and 39years, 71% nurses, 7% medical doctors and 21% other occupation, completed the course and fourteen fulfilled pre-and post-program questionnaires. Notably, 86% had prior nutrition training, while only 14% had culinary training. After the program, there was significant improvement in Mediterranean diet adherence (P < .05). Perceptions on dietary advice usefulness, patient-transferable knowledge acquisition, cooking techniques, and personal cooking skills confidence showed post-course improvements. This study underscores the potential of hands-on CM training in HCP nutrition education, influencing their culinary knowledge. Future studies with larger samples is needed to elucidate CM training's impact on HCP and potential public health benefits.

Change in Nutrition and Physical Activity Practices in Early Childcare and Education Settings in Illinois During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

For many young children, early childcare and education (ECE) programs are the only source of nutritious meals and physical activity (PA); however, the COVID-19 pandemic led to program closures, restrictions, and changed practices. To examine changes in nutrition and PA-related best practices in ECE settings in Illinois from 2019, just prior to the pandemic, as compared to 2022. We also examined how changes over time varied by program type (ie, centers vs homes), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) status, and/or Head Start/Early Head Start status. The study design is a repeated cross-sectional survey administered in December 2019 and October 2022. State of Illinois. A total of 888 and 1162 ECE providers completed initial and follow-up surveys, respectively. NA. Provider report of meeting 14 nutrition and 9 PA-related best practices. Overall, 9 nutrition-related best practices were maintained and 5 declined over time. Centers, CACFP, and Head Start providers reported significant declines in meeting nutrition-related practices over time. A total of 8 PA-related best practices were maintained and 1 declined over time. Centers reported a significant decline in 5 of the PA-related best practices over time, and these declines were significantly different than in homes over time. Similarly, Head Start programs reported a decline in 4 PA-related best practices over time, and the change was significantly different from non-Head Start programs in 3 of the 4 practices. The findings of this study should be considered a new baseline for ECE nutrition and PA-related best practices in Illinois and should serve as a wake-up call for advocates nationwide with regard to the provision of nutrition and PA-related best practices in centers and by CACFP and Head Start providers postpandemic.

Effect of nutrition assessment, counselling and support integration on mother-infant nutritional status, practices and health in Tororo and Butaleja districts, Uganda: A comparative non-equivalent quasi-experimental study

BackgroundMalnutrition remains a health challenge for women aged 15 to 49 years and their infants. While Nutrition Assessment Counselling and Support (NACS) is considered a promising strategy, evidence of its effectiveness remains scanty. This study assessed the effect of the comprehensive NACS package on the mother-infant practices, health and nutrition outcomes in two districts in Eastern Uganda.MethodsA comparative non-equivalent quasi-experimental design was employed with two groups; Comprehensive NACS (Tororo) and Routine NACS (Butaleja). Pregnant mothers were enrolled spanning various trimesters and followed through the antenatal periods and post-delivery to monitor their health and nutrition status. Infants were followed for feeding practices, health and nutritional status at birth and weeks 6, 10, 14 and at months 6, 9 and 12 post-delivery. Propensity score matching ensured study group comparability. The NACS effect was estimated by nearest neighbour matching and the logistic regression methods. Statistical analysis utilised STATA version 15 and R version 4.1.1.ResultsA total of 666/784 (85%) with complete data were analysed (routine: 412, comprehensive: 254). Both groups were comparable by mothers’ age, Mid Upper Arm Circumference, prior antenatal visits, meal frequency, micronutrient supplementation and instances of maternal headache, depression and diarrhoea. However, differences existed in gestation age, income, family size, education and other living conditions. Comprehensive NACS infants exhibited higher infant birth weights, weight-for-age z-scores at the 3rd -6th visits (p < 0.001), length-for-age z scores at the 4th -7th visits (p < 0.001) and weight-for-length z-scores at the 3rd − 5th (p < = 0.001) visits. Despite fewer episodes of diarrhoea and fever, upper respiration infections were higher.ConclusionsThe comprehensive NACS demonstrated improved mother-infant nutritional and other health outcomes suggesting the need for integrated and holistic care for better maternal, infant and child health.

Association between circulating levels of unsaturated fatty acids and risk for prediabetes in the NHANES 2003–2004 and 2011–2012

AimsThis study aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of common and uncommon unsaturated fatty acids and prediabetes risk. MethodsData were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2003–2004 and 2011–2012. Weighted proportional and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of serum PUFAs and MUFAs with prediabetes risk after adjusting for potential confounders. ResultsA total of 3575 individuals were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of PUFAs EPA (20:5 n3) and GLA (18:3 n6) were associated with increased prediabetes risk (EPA (20:5 n3): OR = 1.878, 95% CI: 1.177–2.996, Ptrend = 0.002; GLA (18:3 n6): 1.702, 95% CI: 1.140–2.541, Ptrend = 0.016). The MUFAs PA (16:1 n7) and EA (20:1 n9) were associated with the risk of prediabetes (OR in quintile5: PA (16:1 n7): 1.780, 95% CI: 1.056–3.001, Ptrend = 0.003; EA (20:1 n9): 0.587, 95% CI: 0.347–0.994, Ptrend = 0.010). Moreover, nonlinear analysis revealed that serum levels of EPA (20:5 n3) and EA (20:1 n-9) were nonlinearly associated with prediabetes risk. ConclusionSome serum n-3 PUFAs are positively associated with prediabetes, several serum n-6 PUFAs are inversely associated with prediabetes. Regulating individual serum USFA levels may help prevent prediabetes, thereby providing evidence for clinical and nutritional practices.

Blending Towards Healthier Lifestyles: The Impact of Regular Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie Consumption on Dietary Patterns and Sustainable Health Behaviors.

This research aimed to characterize the nutritional, health and basic sustainability practices among regular smoothies' consumers (RSC; ≥ 1-2 servings/week for ≥ 2 months). Cross-sectional survey. Self-report online multiple-choice questionnaire survey of random sample of adults from online retailer database and community. 193 healthy Israeli adults (75.6% females, mean age 40.65 ± 14.36) completed an online multiple-choice validated survey from May 2022 to August 2023. Demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle habits, including physical activity, FV consumption, and sustainability practices. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney tests for non-normally distributed continuous variables. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. RSC were significantly older (P < .001) and more physically active (P = .025) than occasional smoothie consumers (OSC). They consumed more FV, reaching nutritional recommendations, and exhibited significant lifestyle changes, including reduced meat (P = .013) and processed food consumption (P = .013), and regular meal consumption (P = .045). RSC used fewer disposables (P = .002) compared to OSC and non-smoothie consumers (P = .001). RSC demonstrated a higher incidence of weight reduction compared to weight gain. RSC is significantly associated with health and nutritional sustainability.

Multiple Infections, Nutrient Deficiencies, and Inflammation as Determinants of Anemia and Iron Status during Pregnancy: The MINDI Cohort.

In pregnant women with multiple infections, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation (MINDI), the study of anemia and iron status is limited. For this cross-sectional study (n = 213 Panamanian indigenous women), we investigated if hemoglobin, anemia (Hb < 110 g/L), ferritin, serum iron, serum transferrin receptor, and hepcidin were associated with (1) maternal nutritional status and supplementation practices, (2) biomarkers of inflammation, and (3) presence/absence of infections. Hierarchical generalized linear and logistic regression models and dominance analyses identified the relative importance of these predictors. Anemia (38%), which was likely underestimated due to low plasma volume (95%), was associated with lower ferritin, vitamin A, and weight-for-height, suggesting anemia of undernutrition. Inflammation was not associated with Hb or anemia; nevertheless, higher CRP was associated with increased odds of low serum iron and higher ferritin and hepcidin, indicating iron restriction due to inflammation. The length of iron supplementation did not enter models for anemia or iron indicators, but a multiple nutrient supplement was associated with higher ferritin and hepcidin. Moreover, iron supplementation was associated with higher odds of vaginal trichomoniasis but lower odds of caries and bacterial vaginosis. The complex pathogenesis of anemia and iron deficiency in MINDI settings may require other interventions beyond iron supplementation.

On Hindsight: Intersections of Heritage and COVID-19 in the Philippines Pandemic Experience

The centenary cycle of pandemics has produced structural and systemic changes in society. The pandemics of cholera (1820s) and Spanish flu (1920s) forcibly adjusted policies and practices in medicine, health, nutrition, aesthetics, architecture and town planning. When the COVID-19 (2020) pandemic impacted the Philippines with lockdowns and quarantines, Filipinos were socially straightjacketed, but they creatively evolved the ways of survival. This study introduced a mapping matrix that wove heritage attributes into the cycle of a pandemic. Documenting COVID-19 coping narratives in social media, the objective was to plot the intersections of heritage taxonomy (natural, built, intangible and movable) against Shah’s (2016, Pandemic: Tracking contangions from cholera to Ebola and beyond) cycle of pandemic (origin, transmission, condition, community, management, scapegoat, cure and recurrence). With the stringent physical limitations imposed by the government, data were generated for 2020–2021 through social media accounts, personal observations and mobile phone conversations. This contextualization captured compelling heritage case studies on survival and resilience mechanisms that emerged across the country. On hindsight, the pandemic was a dramatic rupture in the Philippine society that innovated heritage-based programmes of sustainability and revived Filipino values of nobleness and humanity.

Pencegahan Stunting dengan Pembentukan Tim Pendamping Ibu Hamil

Stunting (short) is still a public health problem in Indonesia. The prevalence of stunting in Papua is still high (29.0%), and in Jayapura City, it is 22.9%. For the Imbi sub-district, stunting is 37%. Efforts to prevent stunting through specific interventions that reduce stunting by 30% and generally in the health sector focus on the First 1000 Days of Life (HPK). Specific intervention targets are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and young women. Assistance for pregnant women is needed so that mothers get nutritional intake according to their needs and prepare mothers for feeding their children (IYCF). This activity aims to form a team to accompany pregnant women who will attend mothers to increase their knowledge and practice of maternal nutrition. The method used is training and mentoring. The targets of this activity are Posyandu cadres as an accompanying team and pregnant women in Imbi Village, North Jayapura District. This activity will be carried out from February to August 2023. Results of community service activities: a team of companions for pregnant women was formed at 2 Posyandu in the work area of Imbi Health Center, Imbi Village, consisting of 5 companions at Posyandu Tampandura and three companions at Posyandu Mahikay. There was an increase in cadres' knowledge by 30 points after the training. Mentoring activities were successfully carried out for four months. From these activities, there was an increase in Hb levels, mothers' motivation to carry out ANC examinations, and an increase in the LILA of pregnant women. Conclusion: assistance to pregnant women can overcome maternal nutritional problems and reduce risk factors for stunting children. Suggestion: It is necessary to continue to guide the accompanying team by Health officers for the sustainability of this program.

PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP DAN PRAKTIK GIZI GURU PAUD DIPERBAIKI DENGAN INTERVENSI e-HEALTH PEGIA

Preschool teachers play a crucial role in influencing children's eating patterns at school, which is of utmost importance considering the detrimental impact of malnutrition on preschool children's cognitive abilities. In order to improve preschool teachers' nutrition behavior, it is imperative to provide education on nutritional behavior. One effective approach is implementing nutrition education for teachers through e-Health, which offers numerous advantages such as easier access and wider reach. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the Pegia eHealth intervention in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of preschool teachers regarding nutrition. The sample consisted of 24 teachers from eight preschool centers in Purwokerto City, Indonesia. The e-Health intervention was conducted for 12 weeks, and the differences before and after the intervention were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The results showed a significant increase in the median knowledge by 12.00 with an interquartile range (IR) of 14.00, the median attitudes by 10.50 (IR: 8.75), and the median nutrition practices by 7.00 (IR: 3.00) (p-value &lt; 0.05). The Pegia eHealth intervention showed its effectiveness in improving the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of preschool teachers.

My feet hurt: a qualitative study of self-handicapping in distance runners

ABSTRACT Self-handicapping is a form of self-presentation that allows individuals to protect their self-esteem in the event of failure or enhance their self-esteem via successful performance [Coudevylle, G. R., Gernigon, C., & Martin Ginis, K. A. (2011). Self-esteem, self-confidence, anxiety and claimed self-handicapping: A mediational analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(6), 670–675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.05.008]. Two forms of self-handicapping have been identified; claimed and behavioural. Claimed self-handicapping involves verbalised excuses or justifications for potential failures whereas behavioural self-handicapping is characterised by effort withdrawal or engagement in negative behaviours that create obstacles to performance. This study explored self-handicapping in distance runners who participate in races of a half-marathon distance or longer. Participants (N = 158; Mage = 43.4 years, SD = 11.3) completed an open-response survey about their experience of self-handicapping by self and others. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Major categories identified for claimed self-handicapping were injury/illness, training, nutrition, sleep/fatigue, personal factors, and external factors. Major categories identified for behavioural self-handicapping were poor preparation, poor nutrition practices, equipment issues, and deliberate illness/injury. Several subcategories were also identified for each form of self-handicapping based on reoccurring codes in the data. Claimed self-handicapping was more readily discussed and reported than behavioural self-handicapping, which suggests that runners are using self-handicapping for self-presentation rather than self-sabotage. Future researchers are encouraged to focus on the reasons for self-handicapping and the consequences of self-handicapping in distance runners.